General Meeting & Estonian Independence Day, Mar. 5

Large turnout for Jõulupuu 2022

Well over 60 people attended our traditional Jõulupuu celebration this past Saturday. The evening included a copious supper buffet, a festive singalong and, of course, a visit from Jõuluvana, anxiously awaited by over 15 children. The mood was very cheerful and amiable as it has been a few years since we last were able to gather together for Christmas.

Liana Van der Bellen

We are saddened to announce the death of Liana Van der Bellen on December 14th, 2022 at the age of 97. Liana, who was a long time member of our Society, relocated to a retirement home in Estonia a few years ago. Some details of her life and achievements can be found here https://albertaonrecord.ca/van-der-bellen-liana.

Latvian Church Service

For those in our community interested in attending a Christmas Eve church service, the Latvian community is extending a welcome to their service which will be bilingual in both Latvian and English, and devoted mainly to music.

The service will be held at the Peace Latvian Ev Lutheran Church, 83 Main St., Ottawa, on Saturday, December 24th, at 5 p.m.

Finnish Church Service

As there is no Estonian church service being held in Ottawa this year, the service held by the local Finnish community may be of interest to some Estonians.

It is this coming Sunday, December 11 at 3 pm, at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 400 Sparks St. (corner of Queen & Bay St. )

The service, which includes communion, will be in both English and Finnish led by a pastor from Montreal. Jan Järvlepp along with Lisa Taras will be playing Finnish Christmas songs and the Ottawa Finnish Singers will perform 2 songs. The service is followed by a social gathering with a coffee table and great raffle.

Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the church, but a free ticket that can be obtained from the side entrance, must be displayed.

Mark the date for Jõulupuu

Estonian film at EUFF

The 37th annual European Union Film Festival in Ottawa will be screening the Estonian film On the water (Vee peal), on Tuesday, November 29th, at 7 pm. Screenings take place at the Ottawa Art Gallery, 10 Daly Ave., in the Alma Duncan salon. Further information including ticket sales can be found at the Canadian Film Institute’s website.

Mai Jüris

We are very sad to share the news of the recent and sudden death of Mai Jüris. Further details can be found here.

Come Celebrate Jaanipäev at Lättemäe

The Montreal Estonian Society is inviting us to join them for Jaanipäev, at Lättemäe, on Saturday June 25th, 2022. Further details and registration information can be found on the MES website .

Double Attitude Orchard Outing

Our visit to the Double Attitude Orchard apple farm on Sunday May 29th, turned into a delightful afternoon with activities and delicious food for all! Over thirty individuals were in attendance.

Our host Mihkel Vaasa of Double Attitude Orchard

Mihkel and his partner Beatrice

The apple tree nursery