For those curious about applying for IMANTA’s Scholarship program, we would like to announce that the application deadline for the program (and the award notifications) has been postponed for administrative reasons until further notice. Updates will be posted once the competition reopens.

Happy June, everyone!

Our Annual General Meeting was held in March. The members of your executive for the coming year are Anita Clark & John Grunde (auditors), Nelda Kononova, Jim McDonald, Fawnda Mithrush, Liesma Mithrush, Linda Payne, Helen Richards, Ena Rudovics, and Ed Rudzitis. Sincere thanks to Martin Osis and Ruta Vitins for their contributions over the years. We look forward to working with them in other capacities.

Anyone of Latvian heritage studying at NAIT is encouraged to apply for a scholarship sponsored by IMANTA. Information is available at www.nait.ca. The deadline for application is August 30, 2012.

If you love mushrooms and mushroom-picking, the Alberta Mycological Society has many summer events planned.  (www.wildmushrooms.ws)

If you haven’t seen Latvietis on youtube, take a look at the 9-minute long animated history of Latvia. We also have a few Latvian movies on loan from the Latvian Embassy in Ottawa. These can be viewed using a PAL system or via computer. If you’re interested, please contact Ena at 780-468-2728 or rudovics@telus.net.

Our society operates only through the efforts of our volunteers. Get involved in one of the events listed below and meet more interesting people!

IMANTA is once again a sponsor of the Freewill Shakespeare Festival. You will see our logo in the Festival program if you attend from June 26-July 22 at Hawrelak Park Heritage Amphitheatre. The plays this year are The Tempest and Julius Caesar. There is free admission on Sundays for students with ID. The festival is looking for volunteers and Fawnda Mithrush, the Festival’s General Manager, always takes good care of our members.

The Lithuanian community needs volunteers to help with their next Casino on July 3 &4 at Century Casino. We always support their casino and they help by working at our casino. It’s also a good way to get to know your cultural neighbours.

January is many months away but the Ice on Whyte Festival is already in the planning stages. Sandis Kondrats, an ice sculptor from Latvia, will be participating in the festival, possibly with another Baltic artist. IMANTA has been asked to organize a Latvian cultural exhibit. We need volunteers and ideas to help make this a success!

The Edmonton Latvian Lutheran Church has members willing to help but needs someone to coordinate and organize 4 services a year. If no one volunteers, the congregation will be officially and unfortunately dissolved.

To volunteer for any of the above, or if you have any questions, please reply to imantaedmonton@gmail.com.

Look for IMANTA on facebook!

Other links:
www.latviansonline.com
www.lnak.org
www.lnjak.org
www.latviancentre.org
www.am.gov.lv

 The Latvian Song Festival in Milwaukee begins in a few weeks, from July 4-8^th. Tickets to concerts are still available. Consular services will also be available for anyone renewing or applying for a Latvian passport. All information is on the song festival website. www.latviansongfest2012.com

AND NOW, ONTO THE LIGO CELEBRATION!

Visu gadu dziesmas krāju, Jāņu dienas gaidīdama
Nu atnāca Jāņu diena, nu dziesmiņas jaizdziedā.

It’s time once again to celebrate Jāņi, a Latvian tradition that dates back centuries. Jāņi is the  celebration of the longest day and shortest night of the year. Jāņu activities include traditional customs that are believed to bring the aid of good spirits into the home, field and forest. It’s a night of much singing and merriment. Some of the rituals said to bring luck and prosperity in the coming year include leaping over the fire and burning last Midsummer’s wreaths.

IMANTA invites you to its annual Līgo celebration being held once again west of the city, at Lake Isle, on Saturday, June 23rd, anytime after 2pm.

This year’s meal will be potluck, as it was last year. We will cook roast pork and some vegetarian options, also serve coffee/tea/water/juice. We ask that you bring a dish, ready to eat and to share with others: potatoes, salads, breads, sauerkraut, cheese, pickles, desserts. Please do not bring anything that requires much work in the kitchen.

SCHEDULE:
2 – 4 pm: Wreath-making – please bring your own flowers and oak branches. If nature cooperates, there might be wildflowers in the field.
4pm: Pīrāgi-tasting contest – bring your best!
5pm: Buffet begins
Dinner is planned for 6pm. Please arrive in time to have your food included in the buffet!

There will be a bonfire later in the evening, weather permitting.

• Remember to bring your old wreaths to throw on the fire.
• Please bring lawn chairs for your own use.
• Bring musical instruments! Song sheets will be available.
• You will be in the countryside: come prepared for typically unpredictable Alberta weather and mosquitoes.

There will also be a loterija, the kind usually held at many Latvian events in Canada. Tickets will be $10 for 10 and $20 for 25.

Please note: This event is being held on private property. We ask that you act responsibly and respectfully so that all guests can enjoy the celebrations. Please remember to recycle all beverage containers.

Much work goes into preparing for Jāņi and it is one of our main celebrations. We make changes every year as we learn from our community. This event is for Imanta members and the cost to members is $10. Children under 18 are free. Cost to non-members $30 and will include an Imanta membership. You can download a membership form HERE.

You must RSVP to attend to help us plan correct food amounts. Please let us know what other dish you will bring. Directions and a map will be supplied when you reply. To RSVP or for further information, please contact imantaedmonton@gmail.com or Ena at rudovics@telus.net or 780-468-2728.

Kalgarijas latviesu draudzes nakamais dievkalpojums, ar dievgaldu, notiks so svetdien, 15. aprili, plkst 1os pecpusdiena St. Edmund’s baznica, 8340 – 34 Ave.
Dievkalpojumu vadis Mac. Rasma Caune.
Sekos saviesiga pecpusdiena pie kafejas galda.

The Latvian Lutheran Congregation of Calgary will hold a service, with Holy Communion, on Sunday, April 15th, at 1pm at St Edmund’s Anglican Church, 8340 – 34 Ave.
The service will be conducted by Rev. Rasma Caune.
After the service, all are invited to stay for a social afternoon with refreshments.

Happy New Year!             Happy Spring!

IMANTA is 65! It was founded on March 4, 1947 by Viola Baker, Konrads Dobele, Alfreds Janitens, John Jones and Juris Toms, and was registered as a society on March 8th of that year. Its goal of connecting and helping Latvians in Edmonton has been true all these years. We are the oldest, still-active Latvian organisation in Canada, thanks to the enthusiasm, dedication and efforts of all members, volunteers, friends and Board members, past and present. We are planning to celebrate this anniversary in November. Congratulations to founding member Viola Baker, who celebrated a wonderful 90th birthday in February.

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, March 31st, at 3pm at the Lithuanian Hall at  11629 83 Street. We have a selection of Latvian movies on loan from the Latvian Embassy and will show one after the meeting while refreshments are served. After our November event, there were many positive comments about using this Hall.

Please remember that seniors can phone Yellow Cab and use taxi vouchers for transportation to meetings, doctors’ appointments or any other event. Our transportation program is well-used and we are able to offer it through our casino funding. If you need vouchers, please phone Ena at 780-468-2728 .

During the cold days of the international Ice on Whyte Festival in January, some of our members met Sandis Kondrats, a participating ice-sculptor from Latvia. From Edmonton Sandis travelled to Lake Louise to take part in the next ice-sculpture festival. His amazing work can be seen at http://www.sand-is.com and http://www.sandissue.com

Fun fact: In their February report, TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.com) listed Riga as number 2 of the top 15 new destinations to explore.

Imanta has supported several local organizations over the years. We review donation requests twice a year, in May and in November. If you are involved with a non-profit group,  please contact us at imantaedmonton@gmail.com for an application form.

 The Lithuanian community needs volunteers to help with their next Casino in early July 2012. As we support their casino, they also help by working at our casino and it’s a good way to get to know your cultural neighbours. Please consider signing up for one shift and contact Jim McDonald at jrmcdonald@gmail.com

We were saddened by the passing of  Antons (Tony) Sondors in January 2012. His family is in Latvia and he is mourned by friends here.

 Looking ahead:

• Next Latvian church service in Calgary at 1pm on April 15th at St. Edmund’s Anglican Church, 8340  34 Ave NW, with Rev. Rasma Caune from Hamilton, followed by social afternoon.
• Ligo in June, details to be announced
• Latvian Song Festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 4-8, 2012. For info visit www.latviansongfest2012.com
•  A big thank you to our online contributors! Remember to follow us on Facebook or at http://www.imanta.ca

Other links:
www.latviansonline.com
www.lnak.org

Today marks 65 years since IMANTA declared its incorporation as a society in Alberta! Here’s to recognizing the hard work and dedication of all our our past and present Board members, volunteers, members and friends that have helped in our efforts to connect Latvians in Edmonton, and continued to pursue the goals of Imanta’s founders: John Jones, Konrads Dobele, Alfred Janitens, Viola Baker, and Jury (Juris) Thoms.

(Thanks to Athabasca University for supplying the photos. These images are part of the Latvian History Project now in development at Athabasca University.)

Happy Leap Day, everyone! Below is some information about the upcoming Calgary Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation’s Annual General meeting on Sunday, March 4th. There will be a soal event after the service—so even if you dont’ necessarily want to attend the church, It could be  another opportunity to visit and be together, especially in centres that don’t have many other activities!

…tik balts un kluss…
Krīt zemei pāri mirdzošs zvaigžņu pakars
Un, siltām rokām skaudams zemes telpu,
Nāk senais, mīļais Ziemassvētku vakars.
(Valda Mora)

The Edmonton Latvian Society Imanta is ending another year of activities and events with many thanks to the members and volunteers who continue to support and encourage us. Best wishes to all for 2012!

Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus un Merry Christmas laimīgu jauno gadu from Imanta’s novēl Imantas valde: Executive: Ena, Edgars, Liesma, Linda, Helen, Aija, Anita, Mārtiņš, Jim un Ruta.

The Latvian Christmas service in Calgary will be on Sunday, December 25th, at 1 p.m. at St. Edmund’s Anglican Church, 8340 – 34 Ave. NW. The service will be led by Reverend Dace Caune from Hamilton, Ontario, and will be followed by a social afternoon.

Remember: Taxi vouchers are always available for senior members for travel to appointments, church, shopping, social events. Please call Ena at 780-468-2728 if you need vouchers.

IIHF Hockey: A Latvian team is playing in the World Juniors’ hockey tournament starting on December 26th in Calgary. The meeting place for Latvians before, during or after any of the scheduled games in Calgary is Toques International Lounge, uptown 17th Avenue, 1504 –16 Ave. Information & updates will be posted on Facebook. Hockey info is at http://www.hockeycanada.ca/2012juniors

Athabasca University Project: Imanta will continue working with AU in 2012 to record the experiences and history of Latvians in Edmonton. Our research assistant, Michaelle, will be hosting a panel discussion for teens and young adults in January. Please contact her at (780) 394-4885 or michaelleh5@gmail.com or via Imanta on Facebook.

NAIT Scholarship: The next deadline for application for our scholarship at NAIT is January 31, 2012. Please go to http://www.nait.ca and search The Edmonton Latvian Society for more information.

Looking ahead: There will be a song festival in July 2012 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Further information available at http://www.latviansongfest2012.com

IMANTA cordially invites you to the commemoration of the 93rd anniversary of Latvian independence on
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Edmonton Lithuanian Hall, 11629—83 Street, Edmonton
Reception                   4:00 pm
Opening                      4:45 pm
Dinner                         5:00pm

Musical program by Latvian musicians Latvian history project presentation by Athabasca University.
Tickets:
Members                     $20.00
Non-members             $25.00
Children 6-11              $10.00

Please RSVP by November 12, 2011 to imantaedmonton@gmail.com.

This year we changed venues for our November celebration because the Royal Glenora Club was not available for our dates. We also changed to an early evening function in order to accommodate all our members.  Please remember to reply by November 12th because we must let the caterer know how many guests to expect for dinner!
Transportation for Seniors: This is available to seniors through our casino funding. Please take advantage of it! Phone Yellow Cab at 780-462-3456 for a ride. If you have no vouchers, they will be available at the hall and the driver will come in with you to fill one out. You will be given another voucher to use for your return trip.
Thank you to all our members who have participated in our project with Athabasca University! There will be a presentation by AU at our November celebration to show you the early results. It’s exciting to see the collected information take shape through stories and photos.

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If you haven’t already, please follow our page on facebook. It’s a great way for us all to share news about Latvia and Latvians in our community!

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Last year IMANTA established self-administered annual scholarships using some of our casino funding. Congratulations to this year’s successful applicants:
Celeste Birzgalis, Kathryn Cotton, Tarryn Ann Klapper, Karl Korns, Kassity Lalonde, Andrea Murrle, Felix Murrle, Braden Pleckaitis, Kelsey Pleckaitis, Jillian Richards, Andrew Rudzitis, Julia Rudzitis.
A special thank you to Bob Brayman, John Neilson and Linda Payne, whose guidance and work on the application review committee made this possible once again.
We are also happy to recognize this year’s winner of the IMANTA scholarship offered at NAIT. Congratulations to Sarah Birzgalis, who is studying in the Chemical Engineering Technology  Program.

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Alberta Art Days in early October was a great success, with an excellent turnout for all events. Latvian history and art were showcased and our piragi were much enjoyed and appreciated . Many thanks to the hard working committee organised by Helen Richards and the Laurier Heights Art Club and Community League. An extra thank you to all the volunteers, especially our scholarship winners Jillian & Ryan Richards, Braden & Kelsey Pleckaitis, Andrew & Julia Rudzitis, and Felix Murrle for their enthusiastic support and work on Sunday afternoon.

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The 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship will be coming to Edmonton and Calgary in December 2011. Latvia will be participating and playing all of its games in Calgary, starting on December 26th. IMANTA is considering hosting a reception for the Latvian hockey players in Calgary. If anyone has ideas or would like to help with this, please contact Ed Rudzitis at audentia@telusplanet.net.

Please note that there have been some changes in our membership fee categories which were discussed and voted on at the AGM in March 2011. Annual memberships will be available at the door on Saturday, November 19th, 2011. Please email imantaedmonton@gmail.com to request a membership form.