EANC Annual Meeting 2023

EANC’s XXIII Council convenes in person for its Annual Meeting since before the Covid pandemic. With a new Council Body elected in 2022, the meeting is long-awaited and promises to be inclusive and productive, with an eye to the future. This year is also an election year, and EANC president Marju Rink-Abel will pass on the mantel after serving four terms at the helm of this nationally-elected council.

As we cap off our 70th anniversary year and keep our focus on the future, we will be mindful to also mark the upcoming 80th anniversary year of the Mass Flight of Refugees, who were forced to flee Soviet oppression in 1944. That tragic mass exodus and the historical events of the time must continue to stay in the public mind’s eye. Our invaluable Estonian communities abroad are now like diamonds created by that immense pressure, and we will continue to value and treasure them, providing support, collaboration and a larger voice as we move purposefully and with inspiration toward the future.

Once our regular Annual Meeting duties are complete, we to invite the public to join our 70th anniversary celebration, complete with dinner, entertainment and dancing at the Lakewood Estonian House. It as this event that we would also like to recognize outstanding contributions to the Estonian community.

EANC’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, Sat., October 14th

5:30 pm Cocktail hour

6:30 pm Program & Awards Presentation

Performance by rising star Ingmar Erik Kiviloo.

Dinner, dancing, surprises and entertainment

Music and Mood provided by the Puus Bros Band.

Inspiration Forum & Tours of key Estonian community facilities in the area, Sun., October 15th

11 am – 1:30 pm

Share your community love and experiences!

EANC wants to hear from you! To best represent Estonian American interests, needs, and hopes for the future, we need input directly from our constituents. Please join us for this important Inspiration Forum, featuring impassioned speakers, engaged discussion, community updates and interactions, so we may best move forward with purpose with input from Estonians of all ages, communities and organizations.

Our impassioned panel, moderated by EANC VP includes Estonian Americans from around the country, bringing their unique backgrounds, generations and experiences to spark our discussion.

Panelists include:

Merle Liivand, 5X Guinness Record holder, professional swimmer, entrepreneur, and activist

Jaak Rakfeldt, PhD, Professor, Scholar and Clinician, EANC Member and chairman of the CT Estonian Society

Lia Triantafylidis and Andrus Maandi, life-long active members of the numerous Estonian American organizations, at national, regional, and local levels. Most recently, Lia headed the US Contingent of Estonian girl guide and boy scout leaders and campers to the international Estonian Scouting Jamboree in Canada. Andrus is the Deputy Commissioner of the Council of Estonian Scouting in USA, and has headed the past three Estonian scout camps in the US.

More to come!

Lunch is available for purchase on site, prepared by the much-admired and self-proclaimed Kapsa Kuningas Erik Must.